The Internet is full of great resources for current and future CPAs to keep up with the latest in their industries and in the world of finance. With so much information at your fingertips, why not take advantage of it? You may just learn something new or find advice on topics you’ve been struggling with. Here are 50 great accounting blogs to check out to learn the ins and outs of the accounting field.
General
Give these blogs a read for great general coverage of topics in accounting.
A Passion for Business: Axiom CPA publishes this blog which gives advice and information on consulting and general issues in accounting.
Beancounter Magic: Both entrepreneurs and those looking to get started in business can get informed on this blog which offers opinions on accounting, taxes and business.
Number Insights: This accounting blog focuses on taxes, but also covers a wide range of other issues.
Periodic Ramblings of a CPA: Chad Bordeaux, a CPA, shares his thoughts on accounting issues in this blog as well as a host of other topics.
Skeptical CPA: This CPA from Texas covers news issues in his blog as well as providing his own life lessons for other CPAs to learn from.
Where Every Penny Matters: Written by a Florida CPA, in this blog you’ll find news about the latest in accounting, tax issues, and much more to help you learn the things you need to know about managing money.
Re: The Auditors: Those with an interest in business accounting, more specifically auditing, will find some valuable news and views in this blog.
The Solo Accountant Reporter: Check out this blog for some great managerial and forensic accounting tips and advice.
Understand Accounting: If you don’t have the attention span to read long blog entries, check out this site. It specializes in explaining accounting issues in "mercifully brief" form.
Accounting for What’s Next: Accounting firm Gainer, Donnelly & Desroches puts out this blog which covers important issues facing accountants all over the US.
Accountants Round Up: This blog from Golden Marketing brings together all kinds of news and commentaries to give accountants some interesting reading material.
Footnoted*org: If you have a special interest in the crazy things companies try to bury in their SEC filings, give this blog a read. You’ll find out some interesting business facts and learn what questionable accounting practices some businesses may be involved in.
Life and Times of Accounting: This accounting firm’s blog provides humorous commentary, raises issues about tax filings and much more.
The Accounting Blog: Vanilla Accounting posts entries on this blog which deal with everything from advice on selling a business to rules for independent contractors.
For Accountants By Accountants
Students and financially-minded individuals can get great advice and insight from accountants on these blogs.
A Counting School: A young Canadian Chartered Account talks about his struggles to pass his exams and pursue a career thereafter in this blog.
AccMan: This blog is written by an accountant with over 30 years experience in IT finance. You’ll find advice on how to use new technologies to drive client value in your own accounting business.
Accountant Jokes and Fun: Accountant Mark Lee provides a little comic relief in this blog, filled with jokes and humorous anecdotes just for accountants.
Ambitious Accountants: Mark Lee and the Tax Advice Network put out this blog, which provides tax accountants with the information they need to efficiently and thoroughly complete their clients’ taxes.
Big4Guy: This Big 4 consultant shares his advice and experiences in an effort to help out other accountants and those interested in taking a variety of security certification examinations.
CPA Marketing Center Blog: Blogger David Rachford posts on this blog, designed to provide tax accountants with new ways they can build and market their businesses.
The EyeShade: Check out this blog by auditor Mark Ramos. It provides posts on the latest news in the finance world and aims to give accountants ideas to spark their imaginations.
Innovative Practice Management: Accountants can get advice and ideas on managing their practices from this helpful blog.
Professors and Students
Whether you’re in school or just want an academic perspective, these blogs can provide helpful reading material.
Tick Marks: Dan Meyer, accounting faculty in Tennessee, writes this blog filled with information on accounting, taxation and personal finance for CPAs and non-CPAs alike.
Tax Prof Blog: Charles Hartsock, law professor at the University of Cincinnati, writes this blog which focuses on the legal issues surrounding tax matters.
CPA Pledge: Accounting student Jim chronicles his experience working to become an accountant in this blog.
Exam Cram Blog: Students studying for their CPA exam can find loads of tips from Priscilla Jenkins, a student currently working towards taking and passing the exam.
The Journey to Success: This blog covers a range of issues including personal finance and accounting, but also offers tips for students trying to pass the CPA exam.
Accounting Coach: Maintained by University of Wisconsin-Whitewater professor Harold Averkamp, this blog provides loads of information that can be helpful to students and professional accountants alike.
Associations and Professional Literature
These professional organizations’ blogs for accountants can provide some great information.
Alex Malley: This blog is put out by the president of CPA Australia and offers information on conferences, general accounting issues and more.
CPA Success: Check out this blog from the Maryland Association of CPAs. You’ll get tips on managing your own finances and building your accounting business.
NYSSCPA Blog: The New York State Society of CPAs provides numerous articles and tips on a wide range of accounting issues in this blog.
TSCPA Governmental Affairs Blog: Keep up with what’s going on in the news related to accounting and finance in this blog from the Texas Society of CPAs.
AGA Weblog: If government accountability is your area of interest, check out this blog from the AGA. You’ll get insightful commentary on the latest issues.
The AAO Weblog: While you’ll need a subscription to read all of the content on this site, the Accounting Observer puts out loads of articles that can be of great interest to those in the accounting field.
Taxes
Taxes can be the bread and butter of many accountants’ businesses and you’ll find tips and information about them in these great blogs.
Tax Tips Blog: CPA Gina Gwodz provides little tips that can help you improve the amount you get back on tax returns.
Tax Guru: Kerry M. Kerstetter, CPA, provides news tidbits and his own commentary to help business owners get the most back from their taxes.
Our Taxing Times: This blog deals with tax laws, US taxes and tax preparation.
Taxable Talk: Russ Fox of Clayton Financial and Tax uses this blog to give advice and insight on the current state of taxes in the US.
TaxMama’s TaxQuips: You’ll find daily audio clips and other tips on this site dedicated to helping small businesses with their taxes.
Tax Update Blog: Firm Roth and Company puts out this blog which updates accountants about the latest news in tax accounting.
Niche Accounting
Whether it’s technology or bankruptcy, these blogs focus on special areas of business and accounting.
InsolvencyAccounting: Chris Laughton of Mercer & Hole writes this blog which deals with numerous issues in bankruptcy accounting in the UK.
Business Valuation Blog: Blogger and CPA Eva Lang posts valuable sites, comments and news articles on this blog to help businesses determine just how much they’re worth.
Accounting Thoughts: If your interests lie in forensic accounting and fraud investigation check out this blog by Joel Ungar.
Islamic Finance Blog: Price Waterhouse Coopers provides this blog which delves into the latest financial issues facing Islamic countries in the Middle East and beyond.
Abacus: Get loads of tips on using computer programs to track and manage accounting information in this blog.
Energized Accounting: Learn how to get the most out of the software you’re using to do your accounting with a little help from the advice in this blog.
The Tech Gap: Explore the areas where technology and accounting intersect in this blog written by CPA and tech expert Gregory LaFollette.
From Greg’s Head: Greg Price of PKF Texas writes this blog which follows the latest in accounting and technology trends.
CPA Firm Technology Blog: CPA and technology advisor, Brian Tankersley gives you some ideas on how to use technology better in your accounting practice.
LinkedIn is a fantastic business resource. Maintaining your profile can open up many career opportunities, and be helpful in ways you may have never even thought of. Every person in business, and every student in business should have a LinkedIn profile. If you think you don’t, hopefully your views will change by the end of this post. So, without further introduction, here are 10 ways you can use LinkedIn that you may not have considered.
1.Learn more about your employer’s work ethic – With resumes and references, employers always get to go into potential employee’s lives and learn more. With LinkedIn YOU can actually learn about your employer. Any job is a mutual relationship, and so while they evalute you, you should evaluate them. LinkedIn allows this to occur.
2. Market yourself to potential employers – To be honest you probably knew LinkedIn could help you with this. Updating your LinkedIn profile is essential to helping you get more job opportunities. The best thing you can do is make sure your profile is clean and presents you in the best light possible
3. Introduce yourself to new people in your industry – Every industry is different. Someone is not just in business. You are in marketing, finance, accounting, etc. Linked in can help connect you with other people in your area. Wether you meet someone new who can set up a meeting with a potential employer, or if you just make a new connection that can be helpful if you need advice, LinkedIn can help connect you to your industry in a way you never thought of.
4.Join industry groups to meet new people and help potential employers find you – On LinkedIn, you can further imbed yourself in your industry by joining industry groups. This is another great way LinkedIn can help you meet other professionals or students who have new experiences and insight to offer. Additionally, recruiters often go through groups to seek out talent. You certainly want to be there.
5. Let people know what you look like – Some people like to have a face to the person they are looking to potentially hire. Linked in allows you to post a picture of yourself on your profile. Be sure to pick a flattering, professional picture, because recruiters WILL look at it.
6. Rekindle old friendships, and old connections – The sheer amount of people on LinkedIn is staggering. If you lose contact with someone, chances are you might be able to meet them again on LinkedIn. The ability to reconnect with your peers is one of the greatest features of LinkedIn. Some people even think LinkedIn can be used as an espionage tool!
7. Meet members of the opposite sex – Okay so LinkedIn isn’t INTENDED for you to meet a potential love interest, but you could use it that way. There are thousands upon thousands of profiles, and it would be a good way to make sure you meet someone who has at least similar work interests. Or, perhaps, if you have a particular affinty for one profession, you could use LinkedIn to achieve that end.
8.Find out who at your workplace went to a rival school – When gameday approaches, it’s nice to know who will be rooting against your team, so you can gloat to them at the office the next day. Using LinkedIn, you can find out if your quiet coworker went to your schools chief rival. For example, if you are an Ohio State grad, finding all the Michigan grads is a great way to have good watercooler conversations the Monday after a win.
9. Get recommended by peers – Recommendations are one of the best parts of LinkedIn. You can get reccomennded by peers which looks great in the eyes of potential employers, and potential customers depending on what type of business or field you are in. I talked to someone who once was recommended on both a blog and in his LinkedIn profile. Talk about great exposure!
10.Keep yourself occupied at work – While LinkedIn is supposed to be for improving your career, you can also use it to procrastinate. Updating your profile while you are at work is not the best idea if your boss is around, but if you have significant downtime between projects, then there’s no problem in making sure your profile makes you look like the hardest, most dillligent worker.
LinkedIn is a very valuebale resource for any professional, but especially those in the business sphere. A lot of business is purely about connections. LinkedIn is the ultimate place to get connected. You can find people who you havent seen or worked with in years, and meet new peoiple who can help you advance your career. LinkedIn can be a fantastic resource, if you use it correctly. However, you may not have thought of some of these interesting ways you can use it. In fact, there are even LinkedIn applications that allow you to check it from places other than your computer. You don’t want to be the person who doesn’t get hired because you didn’t have connections. So if you haven’t already, go make your profile, and start connecting in ways you never thought possible. If these aren’t enough ways to use LinkedIn for you, there are others who have come up with more great ways to use LinkedIn.
Everybody knows that getting any college degree can drastically increase your earning potential. Someone who has an MBA can earn substantially more than someone with just an undergraduate degree. However, there are plenty of people out there who think that only traditional Brick and Mortar education programs are worthwhile. The fact is, there are quite a few myths concerning getting an online education, especially about a degree as prestigious as a Masters in Business Administration. With that being said, I am here to debunk 12 of those myths about online MBA degrees.
1.An online degree isn’t as respected as a traditional degree – The next time someone tells you this, you ought to laugh in their face. Online MBA degrees are very respected by many businesses around the world. Just because you didn’t physically attend class doesn’t mean you didn’t attend class. Online degrees cannot be obtained without doing coursework and studying. Most online institutions are fully accredited and recognized as legitimate. This logic also loses weight when one considers that there are schools, which offer both on-campus, and online degrees. The degree would hold the same weight regardless of where it was earned. Contrary to popular belief, many traditional schools are embracing the online atmosphere. Some even have MBA blogs now.
2.Online MBA schools are all scams – This is another one of the outrageous claims detractors will try to cite as fact. This myth is believed by many because of people’s inherent distrust of many things on the internet. While it is true you need to be careful to see if the school is accredited, what others say about it, etc. It is not true that any online schooling is a scam. If a school was handing out bogus degrees, and no graduates were getting jobs, they wouldn’t be in business very long. You should always research the school before enrolling, but don’t let horror stories keep you from pursuing all options.
3.Professors who teach online classes are not as educated as professors in traditional settings – This myth loses weight right at the start. Many professors who teach online classes ALSO teach in traditional classroom settings. Online professors have just as much education as professors in brick and mortar institutions. You will find that they know just as much about their subjects as any other specialized professor. Some may wonder why a professor would choose to teach online. The answer is simple. Some professors may like being able to conduct classes from home. Others may like being able to teach a class when they have a semester off in a traditional university.
4.You won’t learn as much in an online setting – That’s like saying you won’t be as interested in the Superbowl with your home team in it if you aren’t actually there. The game will still be exciting, and you’ll still want your team to win. Online classes and universities make every effort to make learning engaging for students. While you miss out on actually being in the room with the professor, many classes offer video feeds so you can watch the professor talk (if you are a more visual learner). Depending on the program, there may be a wide variety of exercises designed to generate discussion and thought.
5.Online degrees cost more than traditional degrees – I’m not quite sure how this myth got started, as it goes against a huge benefit of online education. Online degrees are typically much cheaper than a traditional degree. This is great for persons who may have had misgivings about pursuing an MBA because of the financial implications (not everyone is fortunate enough to have their company pay for their MBA). Also, you won’t have to worry about living close to campus. This will make your college housing decisions much easier.
6.Companies won’t pay for an online MBA – Every company is different, but it’s a myth to say that a company won’t reimburse you if you’re getting your education online. One of my friends recently obtained his MBA online, and it was paid for by his company. If you think about the benefits, it makes perfect sense that a company would be willing to pay. An online education gives you the flexibility to still be able to work almost full time, while also learning new things that increases your usefulness to the company. Also, with online degrees often being substantially cheaper than a traditional degree, it makes perfect sense for them to be open to the idea.
7.You won’t be able to interact with your peers in an online setting – This is just another unfounded myth propelled by people who have never taken an online class. Most online classes make extra efforts to be interactive because of the absence of a physical presence. Many MBA degree programs online offer chat rooms, message boards, and other means for students to ask questions and exchange ideas. Much of business is about effective communication, and this can be accomplished in online settings.
8.Tests are easier online – While to some this may seem like a myth that shouldn’t be debunked, alas, I must. While tests can be perceived as easier because you can have greater access to certain materials, many classes may limit this, or off-set it by having more opinion-based essay tests and the like. Online programs may also lock you into a timed test which can limit your ability to look things up.
9.Online classes are unreliable because of internet and electricity issues – While technology can sometimes let people down, it would be a rare event indeed if it resulted in issues for an online class. One of the benefits online MBA programs offer is flexibility. If you have a power outage, you may not have a specific class time, so you can easily log-on later, or at the very least find another computer to use, or place to go.
10.You cannot specialize as much with an online MBA – Quite contrary to what some people might say, you can certainly specialize in a wide variety of areas with an online MBA. In many cases, the variety of degree focus is much higher in online institutions. If you are interested in a particular area of business, and do not want just a generic degree, then getting your education online is a good idea.
11. There will never be any hands-on experiences if you get your degree online – While there are some programs that will be entirely online, a large amount of MBA online programs require at least a bit of on-site learning. Some programs require students to do presentations or projects in a traditional classroom setting as part of their final grade. Others have on-site requirements in order to graduate. Whatever the case may be, there are many opportunities available for real, hands-on, experience, even if it’s an online class.
12.If you get an online MBA, you won’t be as successful as someone who got an MBA from a highly ranked university – Success is something all people strive for, and so it seems natural that someone wanting you to not take an online class would cite a lack of success. The truth is, that getting an MBA in and of itself is a success. Whether it’s done online or in the classroom makes no difference. People can be just as successful with educations that aren’t ranked in the US News and World report as people who are at ranked schools.
Too many people listen to negative opinions rather than taking the time to research things for themselves. If you decide to pursue an online MBA degree, chances are, you’ll hear at least one of these myths. If that happens, you can debunk it right in front of the person who said it. An Online MBA Degree is a great, practical decision that many people can make. No matter where you go, getting an MBA is a great choice and can drastically increase your earning potential and help your career.
Many of the best and the brightest in the field of business can be found teaching at universities around the world. Besides enrolling in one of these schools, you can reap the benefits of their knowledge by visiting their blogs where they discuss the topics that they know best. From management to marketing and everything in between, these blogs by business professors offer a wealth of information for anyone to take just by stopping by for a read.
Technology
These professors write about the impact of technology on business in these blogs that offer topics on sustainable technology, innovation, and more.
Harga-Blog. Andrew Hargadon writes about technology innovation and management with an emphasis on sustainable technology. Recent topics include innovation and entrepreneurship, smart design, and a discussion of what makes a good idea.
Technology and Organizations. Terri Griffith, from Santa Clara University, takes a look at technology and its application in organizations in her blog.
Eric Goldman. This law professor writes about technology and marketing on his blog, which covers Internet law and news, copyright and technology, and more.
Open IT Strategies. Joel West writes about IT and business with a focus on creating business models.
billso.com. Read about "management, mobile computing, and information systems" in this Hawaii Pacific University professor’s blog. Recent posts have included Google apps, time management, and Scrabulous on Facebook.
Management
Whether managing individuals or managing the business of business, these professors’ blogs share their insight and knowledge on the field of management.
Random Rantings. Freek Vermeulen, from London Business School, writes on strategy, competition, and more as it pertains to management.
Robert Salomon. This professor from Stern School of Business features posts on corporate strategy, the economy, and more.
Work-Related Blogs and News. This lecturer at Heriot-Watt’s School of Management and Languages writes about the workplace and blogging. He also includes an impressive list of workplace blogs organized by profession.
Management R&D. This blog is co-written by two professors who look at management strategy, economics, and more.
The Business of America is Business. Starling David Hunter blogs about various topics as they relate to American business practices. Some recent posts have covered leadership retreats, Wal-Mart, divorce, gas, and farmer’s aid.
Economics and Finance
From the economy of sports to the impact of traffic on the economy, these blogs offer a wide range of information from some of the best professors in the field.
Financial Literacy and Ignorance. Annamaria Lusardi at Dartmouth writes about personal finance and how much (or how little) most people know about it.
Pat Utomi’s Musings. Running for President of the African Democratic Congress, this professor at Lagos Business School-Pan African University writes about economics as well as discusses his platform.
ProfessorVC. This professor of entrepreneurial finance blogs about business and other interests.
Carpe Diem. Mark J. Perry writes about gas prices, real estate bubbles, and more on this popular blog.
Division of Labour. This collaborative blog is written by several professors and focuses on economics.
The Transportationist. David Levinson and the Nexus Research Group on Networks, Economics, and Urban Systems write about topics such as traffic congestion, economic impact of traffic improvements, and bridge safety.
Organizations and Markets. Four professors from America and Europe collaborate on this blog which touches on various aspects of economics.
Conservation Finance. The title says it all for this blog written by Lars Christian Smith.
CoreEconomics. Written by Melbourne Business School’s Joshua Gans, this blog looks at economics and a few other topics as well.
The Wages of Wins Journal. These three professors of economics look at the economics of sports in this blog, which is a companion piece to their book The Wages of Wins.
The Borjas Blog. Professor George Borjas specializes in labor economics and blogs about immigration and labor around the world.
Economist’s View. Mark Thoma writes such topics as economic growth, financial markets, speculation and bubbles, and more on his economy blog.
Marketing
From India to France to America, these marketing blogs focus on the effects of marketing on global business.
Marketing Practice. This marketing professor in India blogs about Indian brands.
Dr. Neil Hair. This professor writes about marketing and the Internet and also has some lectures on his blog.
Cyberstrat. Polish up on your French before visiting this blog by Professor Jean-Claude Morand where he writes about marketing, and particularly how it pertains to and the Internet and technology.
Ping!. Yuping Liu teaches marketing at Old Dominion and uses this blog to discuss how marketing, technology, and consumer psychology work together.
Marketing Profs Daily Fix. This collaborative blog discusses topics that range from social media, to Starbucks to stevia.
Strategy, Leadership, and Innovation
Professors sharing their knowledge and ideas about strategy, leadership, and innovation in these blogs from professors at some of the top schools in the world.
Rita McGrath Dynamic Strategies. This professor from Columbia Business School looks at innovation and entrepreneurship on her blog.
John Sviokla The Near Futurist. Management and innovation feature highly in this blog by a professor from Kellogg School of Management.
Professor Michael Roberto’s Blog. This professor from Bryant University focuses on leadership in his blog with topics such as global vs. local, airline services, and Anheuser Busch.
Ed Batista. This leadership coach at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business writes about leadership and management with a good dose of technology.
Outlook for Change. Change management is the focus of this blog that takes a look at innovation among businesses and organizations.
Blogs on Various Topics
These blogs range from sustainable business to international subjects and all offer the wisdom and experience of the professors who write them.
BizDeans Talk. These deans of business school write about business school education in this collaborative blog.
Chris Knudsen on Life and Business. This adjunct instructor at Westminster College blogs on several aspects of business, as well as his family.
Kellogg Insight. This blog features the latest research of the professors at Kellogg School of Management.
sustainable business design. Written by N.E. Landrum, this blog approaches business from the perspective of sustainability and shows how this type of business makes good sense economically and socially.
B V Krishnamurthy Bangalore Calling. This professor from India discusses international business with a strong emphasis on India and the U.S. on this blog.
Santiago Iniguez. The dean at the international IE Business School blogs about the the school and education in this blog with posts in both English and Spanish.
Yoko Ishikura’s Blog. This professor in Japan writes about business in the global community. Her blog is in Japanese as well as English.
If you have five dollars and Chuck Norris has five dollars, Chuck Norris has more money than you.
Motivation is something that other people can give you, but is most effective when it is already there to begin with. Chuck Norris, a great American hero, understands that true success comes from within, and that no one else can make a person strive to be the best they can be. Every day Chuck Norris goes on a rampage, taking bad guys down and serving the law. If Chuck Norris were to have a guide to motivating himself every day to constantly destroy the forces of evil, this would be his guide.
Chuck Norris doesn’t sleep; he waits.
1. Sleeping in is weakness – Some people really love their sleep. Others also like to stay up late and have fun. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to always stay up late and sleep in without losing some sort of motivation. Sleeping in is okay every now and again, but motivated people get a full night’s rest on a normal schedule every day, and rarely ever need to get extra sleep because of bad schedules. If you want to feel more motivated, wake up nice and early every day. Sleep, just like anything else, can be bad if you get too little of it, or too much of it.
Apple pays Chuck Norris 99 cents every time he listens to a song.
2. Use past successes and failures to motivate yourself for the future – Chuck Norris learns from every enemy he defeats. In this way, you should learn from your mistakes and capitalize on your successes. This holds true for many walks of life. In entrepreneurship, for example, you are solely responsible for your business. You have to take motivation both from the decisions that went favorably and the ones that didn’t work out. In entrepreneurship, if you lose motivation, it can result in setbacks for your business and financial losses that could be difficult to overcome. Chuck Norris wouldn’t take financial losses, and neither should you. Chuck Norris makes sure that Apple pays him, and the best way you can make sure to get paid is to constantly adjust your strategies depending on the outcomes of various situations you’ll be faced with.
Chuck Norris destroyed the Periodic Table of Elements because he only recognizes the element of Surprise.
3. Keeping the mind active can help keep the mind motivated – Chuck Norris doesn’t have time to watch TV or play video games. Chuck Norris is too busy giving bad guys roundhouse kicks to the face. He’s so brilliant that he even disregards the Periodic Table of Elements. In order to stay motivated, you have to exercise your mind. If all you do is watch TV, play video games, and go to and from work, you’ll never maximize your potential. Reading books, playing sudoku, doing crossword puzzles, and generally just doing things that require you to use your mind is one great way to make sure you’re staying motivated and working towards your long term goals.
Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.
4. It sometimes helps to be creative – If you’re having motivation issues; it’s a good idea to be creative. Chuck Norris can creatively slam revolving doors, and has come up with new amazing standards for beating people up. If taking a lap around a track gets you motivated, then go for it. Think about the reasons behind your lack of motivation. If you are trying to succeed at anything, you have to keep options open and be willing to adjust to any changes that may occur. If you find your having trouble staying committed to things, think about what might help you to succeed. Some people find motivation through innovation. If you come up with a unique way to accomplish a goal, you can be motivated to accomplish even more goals. One good suggestion is to make a to-do list for motivation and stick with it. Motivation can sometimes be achieved simply by keeping a schedule. Next thing you now, you’re up there with Chuck Norris in terms of motivation….well maybe not with Chuck Norris, but closer.
When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the earth down.
5. Create a reward system – How is Chuck Norris able to commit amazing feats of strength? It’s simple, he has a reward system. Knowing that he will be rewarded with global praise and admiration when he pushes the earth down, or roundhouse kicks through concrete walls gives him the strength to go on. If you’re struggling with motivation, give yourself a reward when you complete tasks or achieve something you’ve been working for. The reward doesn’t have to be anything big, it can be as small as just buying yourself a nice snack or treating yourself to a movie. Some people like to use their rewards in such a way that they never lose motivation.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris allows to live.
6. Stay healthy, stay motivated – Chuck Norris may have the final word on who lives and who dies in this life, but it always helps to stay healthy if you’re trying to motivate yourself. Eat well, and sleep well, and you just may notice you have more energy available to complete tasks. Most successful people in business, or any walk of life are extremely concerned about their health. Taking vitamins every day, eating vegetables, getting to bad early, and waking up early can all drastically improve your health. If your body is happy, then you’ll be happy and ready to motivate yourself to accomplish your goals. You can even disregard Chuck Norris’ hatred of video games by going playing healthy video games. Chuck Norris is a natural born leader and motivater, but he’s also in peak physical condition.
While Chuck Norris may be able to motivate himself simply because he is the best mankind has to offer, everyone else may have to work for it. Motivation and success are so interlinked, Chuck Norris would have to roundhouse kick you in the face if you couldn’t recognize it. There are no silver bullets when it comes to getting yourself in the right mind-set to complete tasks, better yourself, start a business, or whatever you may want to do. If Chuck Norris were to give one piece of advice to someone struggling with motivation, he’d probably tell you to go beat someone up. However, if he had the time to give more advice, he would certainly mention some of the things presented here.
If you are considering going into business for yourself and using the Internet as your vehicle, then you will want to ensure you have the best background possible to make your venture a success. With open courseware readily available, there is no reason why you can’t provide the knowledge for yourself that many business students gain from some of the top universities in the world. The following open courseware selections will give you the edge when it comes to knowing about business.
Marketing
Every entrepreneur needs to know about marketing if he intends his business to become popular enough to make it. These courses will help you learn what you need to know about marketing.
Introduction to Marketing. An excellent place to start for those just starting out in marketing, this course covers all the basics.
Marketing Management. This introductory course offers a basic overview of the concepts of marketing and is a great place to start before moving to more advanced marketing courses.
Marketing Strategy. This course looks at marketing in conjunction with the strategy for a company as a whole. The course is recommended for entrepreneurs, consultants, project managers, and investment analysts.
Entrepreneurial Marketing. Focusing on the general concept of marketing problems, this course examines basic marketing and new venture issues to help the student learn to have a better understanding for her specific needs.
Special Seminar in Marketing: Marketing Management. Teaching students the basics of marketing ideas and phenomena as well as honing students’ abilities for market analysis and planning are the high points of this seminar.
Strategic Marketing Management. Understanding the market (rather than the customer) is the focus of this course, which will teach the skills necessary to complete a marketing research survey.
Listening to the Customer. This is the companion course to Strategic Marketing Management where the needs of the customers are examined in terms of marketing.
e-Marketing. This course, in Spanish, teaches about marketing on the Internet as well as using it in conjunction with more traditional marketing techniques.
Marketing Communications As a Strategic Function. This course covers the basic arguments for marketing communications as an important strategy, the changing role of communications, and customer preferences.
The Market-led Organization. Looking at both understanding marketing orientation and managing a market-led organization, this course examines the benefits of market-led organization.
Finance
From how to gain capital in the early stages of your business venture to learning about investments and equity finance, these courses will help you get a handle on anything financial.
Early Stage Capital. This course offers lessons on start-ups and early stage capital generation with a focus on building relationships with investors and advisors.
Entrepreneurial Finance. Entrepreneurs and venture capitalists will benefit from this course that looks at raising money for technology-based companies and the early stages of development.
Financial Management. Take a look at corporate finance and capital markets in this course, which relies heavily on using empirical research in managerial decisions.
Investments. With an analytical approach, this course teaches how to make sound financial investment decisions based on financial theory and empirical evidence.
Equity Finance. Learn all about equity in both the public and private sector in this course that brings a decidedly international flair to the information.
Business Analysis Using Financial Statements. The purpose of this course is to prepare the student to successfully use financial statements as a tool to understand and place a value on businesses.
Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning. Getting personal finances in order and planning for the future has an impact on your business as an entrepreneur. Learn the basics to get you off to a great financial start with this course.
Investment Risk. This course focuses on risk aversion, qualifying risk, risk factors, and discounted cash flow and the net present value rule.
Economics
Knowing the basics and beyond when it comes to economics will give you a huge lead in business. These courses cover everything from introductory courses to statistics for economics to economics for managers.
Introduction to Economics. This course offers the basics in economics with topics such as the history and principals of economics, public vs. private sectors of the U.S. economy, and more.
Introduction to Statistical Method in Economics. If you plan to know much about economics, you must have a solid foundation in statistics in order to make sense of the data you will be reviewing. This class provides the tools you need specifically to analyze economic data.
Economic Analysis for Business Decisions. This course examines the topic of microeconomics and teaches basic analytic tools to help the student make smart economic decisions.
Principles of Microeconomics. This is a great basic course to get a foundation for the concept of microeconomics.
Principles of Macroeconomics. Focusing on macroeconomics in the U.S. as well as other economies, this course provides the basics in macroeconomics.
Applied Economics for Managers. Examining the results of scarcity on the market, this course teaches ways economists study consumer reactions to these allocations as well as the markets’ response to these reactions.
Special Topics in Economics: The Challenge of World Poverty. Thinking about the various potential agents of change for world poverty and who ultimately is responsible, this course offers a thought-provoking opportunity to examine the possibility of impact on poverty through economics.
Economics Research and Communication. This course will teach how to do original research on economic questions with a hands-on approach to the lesson.
Economic Applications of Game Theory. Take a look at Multiperson Decision Theory as it applies to economics. This course is heavy on mathematics as well.
Technology
If you plan on having a web-based business, then chances are good you will want to know as much as you can about business and technology. These courses will give you a wide base for the history and modern practices when it comes to business and technology.
Information Technology Essentials. This basic course offers an overview of technology concepts and trends, concepts, and hardware and software.
Internet Technology in Local and Global Communities. This course looks at programming, Internet technology, open source programs, and entrepreneurship and is a part of the MIT-African Internet Technology Initiative.
Data Mining. This course examines data mining methods that have evolved from both statistics and artificial intelligence and looks at recognizing patterns and making predictions with this information.
The Software Business. Specifically targeted at those founding or working for a software company, this course is a must for entrepreneurs who are interested in selling software.
Competition in Telecommunications. Examining the convergence of computers, cable TV, and telecommunication alongside the competition of the Internet within the market, this course offers lectures from leaders in the industry.
Innovation, markets and industrial change. With a heavy emphasis on technology’s impact on innovation and industrial change, this course examines the relationship between innovation, technology, and market changes.
Media Industries and Systems. This course examines the trends, audience, and creative process as forces shaping content in media industries and systems.
Technology for Professional Writers. This course teaches important technology skills with at focus on the writer’s perspective. Whether your entrepreneurial endeavor focuses on writing or not, it is highly unlikely you won’t need to draw on a combination of writing skills and technology at some point.
Information technology: a new era?. Take a look at technology and how it has impacted the economy, productivity, and more in this course.
Practicum in Enterprise Security. Students participate in an opportunity to act as employees in charge of security for an online business in this course that teaches what you need to know about securing your online business.
The Anthropology of Computing. Take a look at the people behind computing from the early days to the modern world with issues such as hackers, privacy, and more.
Being a good manager, understanding how to manage a business, and knowing how to become the person others look to for guidance are all important factors when owning your own business. These courses will tell you how to do all that and more.
Communicating with Data. This course is designed to teach the student to think critically when looking at data so that decisions made for the business are firmly rooted in a solid understanding of the information.
Pricing. Looking at cases, this course aims to teach an understanding for pricing strategies and techniques for businesses.
Advanced Corporate Risk Management. Examining how corporations make use of "insights and tools of risk management," this course teaches managing risk, liability management, and much more.
Management Communications for Undergraduates. A great course for polishing those managerial skills, the content includes a focus on writing, speaking, team work, and interpersonal relationship skills.
Managerial Economics. This course covers the basics of microeconomics as it pertains to management decisions and is a must for any entrepreneur.
Negotiation and Conflict Management. Learn negotiation theory, strategy, and styles in this class with both first and third party negotiations covered.
Organizational Management and Leadership. Find out management principles and techniques in this course that aims to teach what kind of management leads to a successful business.
Staying ahead of the game with both a well-planned strategy and the ability to continually evolve with original ideas are both important aspects of running a successful business, and these courses will teach you how to do that.
Taxes and Business Strategy. Focusing on the unique combination of tax planning opportunities and tax strategies for a business, this course seeks to bridge a gap frequently found in both tax and finance courses.
Game Theory for Managers. This strategy course aims to teach managers the "game theory" and how to use it effectively when dealing with competitors, customers, and more.
The Sociology of Strategy. Rather than looking at strategy itself, this course examines such topics as the nature of competition and market interactions, organizational capabilities, and strategic change.
Technology Strategy. This course is designed for those who will invest in or run a business where technology will play a major role and will cover investment planning and behavior of competition, suppliers, and customers.
Innovative Product Development. Examine new product development in the context of technology, the innovation process, and more in this course.
Strategic view of performance. Find out what strategy is, learn market and research-based approaches to strategy, and begin to look at strategy as rational planning in this course.
Optimization Methods in Management Science. Learn how to optimize your management strategy in this course that looks at several different types of optimization theories.
The Global Community
If you are planning to do business on the Internet, then you must become familiar with the global community through economics, culture, development, and more. These courses will get you up to speed on international issues.
Planning in Transition Economies for Growth and Equity. This course examines the global shift from "centrally planned economies to market-oriented ones" with a focus on reconsidering many long-standing economic issues.
Developmental Entrepreneurship. By looking at historic examples of both failed and successful business ventures in developmental entrepreneurship.
Marketing, Microchips and McDonalds: Debating Globalization. Discussing what globalization means and the impacts it has on the global community, this course aims to give a firm foundation in understanding it’s impact economically, socially, and culturally.
Capital Markets. This course focuses on global capital markets and teaches a working knowledge of investor relations.
The Politics of Global Finance Relations. This course examines the impact of globalization of finance on American politics and policy as well as international relations.
Media in Cultural Context. Learn about how culture defines itself through TV programs and how international markets are impacted by these identities and others perceptions of these identities.
International Trade. This course looks at international trade and finance as well as current topics such as globalization, free trade, and more.
International Relations: New Approaches in a Complex World. Learn about global economy, the World Trade Organization, Latin America, and more in this class that examines the changes that have taken place in the global business world.
International Multilateral Negotiation. By looking at case studies, this course provides examples of several types of negotiation strategies and processes.
International Relations. Learn such important topics as international economy, values and attitudes, and global issues in this course that is a must for anyone dealing with international business contacts.
Economic Development, Policy Analysis, and Industrialization. This course teaches how government plays a role in developing countries that affects global business. One topic of interest is the introduction of the high tech industry in these countries.
Working in a Global Economy. This course examines global economy and the practice and policy changes that have occurred since the development of the current "new" economy.
Women in business have a unique experience and perspective as this field has traditionally been one for men. Whether you are a woman entrepreneur or are a man who wants to gain another perspective when it comes to the challenges and successes of business, then these courses will give you the knowledge.
Enterprising Women Exhibition . Meet four successful business women and learn how they made it big in the world of business (part 1 of 4).
Entrepreneurship in Contemporary America. Find out what several American business women have faced in a field that has typically been a man’s realm (part 2 of 4).
Women without Money and Women as Commodities. Learn about how poverty, welfare, and bankruptcy affects women and then learn "the value of gender" as you study surrogate motherhood, the sex trade industry, and genteel marriage (part 3 of 4).
Women and Economic Development. Study women entrepreneurs across time and in various countries. There is also a strong focus on the women in India who developed the Self-Employed Women’s Association (part 4 of 4).
From copyright to privacy to international law, any smart business person will want to know the legal basics before starting her venture.
Law for the Entrepreneur and Manager. This law class aims to educate the learner in the basics of the legal issues that affect a business from start-up to going public.
Government Regulation of Industry. This course looks at firm behavior, economic regulation, and social regulation and the impact government has on business.
Justice. Looking at the ethics of societal justice, this course also examines some of the ongoing debate over the moral-political controversy.
Introduction to Copyright Law. This course covers the basics of copyright law with a heavy emphasis on Internet-related topics.
Information Law and Policy. Find out about copyright law, protecting databases, licensing of information, privacy and much more in this course.
International Law. Get the basics of International Law in this course that covers such topics as dispute settlements, state responsibility, and international resource management.
Business Law. This course looks at the "legal environment among businesses, government and consumers" with both a national and international approach to the topics.
Public Economics. This course examines the reasons for government involvement in the economy, the extent of that involvement, and reactions by private agencies to the involvement.
The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights. While studying the civil rights of citizens in America, this course also looks at privacy issues and the law of criminal procedure, which would be helpful for entrepreneurs to know before starting out.
